If you’re thinking about embedding mobile technology in your school, getting decent Wi-Fi within your school is critical. I don’t pretend to be a Wi-Fi officianado. I’m not. I’ll leave that to the experts. But know this, it is absolutely key that Wi-Fi within your organisation is fast, reliable, flexible, manageable and has room to grow (scalable) too. Solid investment in your infrastructure will allow any mobile device strategy to flourish. Fail to invest in this and you will be destined to fail. Do your research.
Here are some starter points for you to think about:
- Scalable performance – make sure your Wi-Fi network can grow
- Connection – speeds / proxying (transparent) / dedicated line?
- Security – Be mindful of security required to keep network secure. Profiles. AUP/AUA. Clearpass or equivalent.
- Access – research options of granular control. Allow access to one app in one classroom, but disallow it in another?
- Sufficient access points – at least 1 per classroom
- 2mbps for each iPad for a good experience in the classroom. Minimum.
- How will you manage the devices. Will you do it? Will students do it? If you do it, how will that happen?
I’d love to hear how you’re getting on with infrastructure in your projects. How have you done it? Is it working?
Mark
